Australia.com does not support the internet browser you are using. Please upgrade to a more recent browser so that you can explore the destinations and experiences that await you as you plan your Australian holiday.

Welcome to the official Australian tourism website.This site uses cookies.Find out more.

With more than 320 days of sunshine each year, World Heritage-listed national parks and lush tropical gardens, Townsville is home to some spectacular natural landscapes and attractions.

By Stephanie Williams

Townsville is a major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics and the Queensland outback. It’s a vibrant and bustling city sitting under the watchful gaze of Castle Hill. Enjoy alfresco dining, Federation-style architecture and boutique shopping, as well as the cooling ocean breeze and coastal vibe. It’s also Australia’s largest garrison town with Australian Defence Force bases and fascinating military history to explore.

Take your tastebuds on a tour of the tropics. JAM on Palmer Street is known for its fantastic breakfasts but visit any time of day for regional cuisine. Wander the dining precinct of City Lane and try Donna Bionda or Shaw & Co for a fun foodie experience. Rest your head anywhere, from large comfortable hotels to luxury apartments: try the Palmer Street area or along Ross River.

Don't miss

A day trip to Magnetic Island for secluded beaches and abundant wildlife

Dive to see the SS Yongala, Australia’s largest intact shipwreck

Do a self-guided walking tour of Townsville

How to get there

Townsville is located about 350 kilometres (218 miles) south of Cairns and 1,350 kilometres (839 miles) north of Brisbane. Townsville Airport has links to major eastern seaboard cities, as well as Darwin, Bali and some Queensland regional inland towns. From the airport it's a 10-minute drive to the city centre.

Visit Townsville's aquarium

While you’re there, visit Reef HQ, located next door to the cultural centre. Inside, you'll find the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and the education centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. It’s home to thousands of fish and corals and North Queensland's first dedicated turtle hospital.

See Townsville on foot

Castle Hill is the red granite monolith dominating Townsville's city centre. You can climb to the top for views of the city and surrounding islands and then enjoy a leisurely walk along The Strand, Townsville's waterfront promenade, which has magnificent views over the Coral Sea. The Riverway complex offers recreational facilities for all ages, including a swimming lagoon with a toddlers pool, arts centre and boardwalk. At the Museum of Tropical Queensland you can see relics from the sunken British warship HMS Pandora, which sank in 1791. Head to the Billabong Sanctuary to cuddle a koala, hold a wombat and stroll among the kangaroos and wallabies.

Go island hopping

Townsville is close to a number of spectacular islands. Magnetic Island is a 20-minute ferry ride away, or you can take a short helicopter flight to Orpheus Island, a stunning national park. Hinchinbrook Island is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and Australia's largest island national park. It is home to the Thorsborne Trail, a 32-kilometre (20-mile) hike through spectacular wilderness.

Explore above and below the water

Scuba divers won't want to miss the SS Yongala, one of the world's great wreck dives. Fishing enthusiasts should head to Burdekin, a one-hour drive south of Townsville to fish for barramundi and mud crabs in the rivers and estuaries. Burdekin is also famous for being the sugar capital of Australia. The Ross River, which flows through the city, is often used by locals for waterskiing, fishing and kayaking.

Visit the Paluma Range National Park

Around 90 kilometres (56 miles) north of Townsville is the Paluma Range National Park. Fringed by rainforest, the park offers beautiful spots to relax, camp, walk and enjoy watching birds, butterflies and other native wildlife. The traditional name for the Paluma Range is Munan Gumburu, which means "misty mountain". The stunning Jourama Falls are framed by rainforest and if you bring your tent or caravan, you can spend the night here at the camping area.

*Product Disclaimer: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through this website. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

{"PageInfo":{"component":"PageInfo"},"Hero":{"component":"Hero","subTitle":"A taste of the tropics","title":"Townsville","playerId":""},"Banner":{"component":"Banner","rightImageAlt":"Need help planning your Australian trip? Get insider knowledge from a local travel specialist.","price":"0","pricePerText":"","moreInformationURL":"","currency":"$","text":"","title":""}}